First Look: Federal Premium 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper

by
posted on September 1, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fedl_prem_65_creedmoor_tc_f.jpg

Federal Premium's Trophy Copper line of ammunition has been a staple in the hunting industry since its introduction, so it came as no surprise when the company added a 6.5 Creedmoor offering to the stable earlier this year. Why wouldn't you add one of the industry's fastest-growing cartridges to your signature product line? Here are five things you need to know.

1. It’s joining a well-regarded family of ammunition.
Federal’s Trophy Copper line is available in more than 20 additional ads, ranging from .243. Win. to .338 Win. Mag. It’s known for its copper, polymer-tipped bullet that retains 99 percent of its weight, penetrates deep and expands consistently.

2. It packs a punch.
The Trophy Copper 6.5 Creedmoor load features a 120-grain bullet, and should provide suitable power for medium and big game. Federal lists the muzzle velocity at 2875 f.p.s.

3. It has premium features.
Like its Trophy Copper brethren, the 6.5 Creedmoor load features copper construction that can provide up to 99 percent weight retention. It has a tipped bullet cavity that’s optimized for expansion across a broad velocity range, and a grooved bullet shank provides increased accuracy.

4. It can go long.
Though it's not meant to be Federal's new Edge TLR, the 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper is more than capable of reaching out and touching game animals at extended ranges. The polymer tip and boat-tail design increase the ballistic coefficient for higher downrange velocity and energy.

5. It works.
What better way to put a new cartridge to the test than to take it on a hunt? I put the new 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper to work on a recent New Mexico antelope hunt, and it didn't let me down. Though we weren't able to recover the bullet, it had little trouble dropping my pronghorn at 200 yards—devastating the vitals and breaking a shoulder on the exit, to boot. Hard to argue with that.

Latest

First Breach 223
First Breach 223

New for 2026: First Breach Ammo

Hagerstown, Maryland’s First Breach is a new company, based on a father/son team who are passionate about quality ammunition.

Top 10 Bowhunting Items of SHOT 2026

Bowhunting is a gear-intensive endeavor. Make sure you have the very best.

MDT Expands Timbr Core Line with Savage 110 Model

MDT has announced its Timbr Core Walnut Stock for the RH Savage 110 Short Action, expanding the Timbr Core lineup and bringing classic walnut craftsmanship to a modern, precision-focused rifle stock.

Knight & Hale Expands Run N' Gun Vest Line with New Models

Knight & Hale Game Calls has expanded its Run N' Gun turkey vest line. Designed for hunters who demand speed, stealth and efficiency in the field, the new lineup promises lightweight comfort, storage and versatility.

#SundayGunday: Taurus 650

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a deep dive into a compact wheelgun that’s built to balance power, concealability and rugged reliability. This is the stainless‑steel Taurus 650—Taurus’s reintroduced small‑frame, five‑shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

52 Bears Harvested in Florida Season

There were 52 bears harvested during Florida’s first bear season since 2015.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.